Breast enlargement causes problems with physical and mental health in women. These women often suffer from back pain due to degenerative changes caused by breast enlargement and cannot perform daily activities normally.
Breast reduction is a surgery for reducing the excessive breast tissue. The procedure involves also breast lift.
Who is a candidate?
This surgery is dedicated for health women who feel that their breasts are too large and its size limits their daily activities. Breast reduction may be also indicated in women who suffer from neck, back and shoulder pain due to breast enlargement.
Mammoplasty will help you to perform daily activities easily, but you should also remember that the surgery will leave the permanent scars.
You will also receive detailed information that will help you to properly prepare for the procedure. It includes:
- quitting smoking,
- list of contraindicated drugs,
- proper wound care technique,
- eating and drinking restrictions day before the surgery.
The course of the surgery
Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to remove excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin. In some cases, liposuction can be also performed. In case of excessively large breasts, it is possible that nipple-areola complex will be cut off and sewn on to the new place. There are several methods of breast reduction. The technique used for breast reduction is determined by breast anatomy and composition, desired results after the surgery and the plastic surgeon’s preferences. Depending on the chosen technique, skin incisions can be made differently. They will all be marked before the operation and the surgeon will discuss each operative method with you during the consultation to choose the best option for you.
Type of the anesthesia
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
After the surgery
Breast reduction surgery is considered to be a “major” procedure, therefore it is important to follow the given instructions after the surgery. Before the procedure, your surgeon will explain and give you postoperative instructions.
After the surgery is over, a compression garment or dressing will be placed in the operated area. You will be able to return to daily activities approximately 1 week after the surgery. Intense physical activity is contraindicated for 6 weeks after the surgery.
Possible complications
Besides possible complications associated with general anesthesia, following complications may appear:
- bleeding,
- wound infection,
- impaired sensation in the breast or/and nipples, that may be permanent or temporal.
Breast reduction surgery improves the shape and appearance of breasts, however the breasts asymmetry may be present, especially when the disproportion was present before the surgery. Remember, that it will be possible to perform additional surgery in the future. You should also remember that the surgery will reduce the size of your breasts and you may feel that other parts of your body, such us belly are bigger.
Not every patient will qualify for the breast reduction surgery and your possible complications may differ from other patients. Your plastic surgeon will explain possible risks, complications and expected results of the surgery during the preoperative consultation.
Expected results
The results of breast reduction surgery are long-lasting. Your new breast appearance will relieve the pain you experienced prior to the surgery. Your breasts will look firm, youthful and more attractive. Over the time, the appearance of your breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal changes and gravity.
